KARONGI - The Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF), yesterday, held a mammoth rally for its presidential candidate Paul Kagame in Karongi District, where over 120,000 excited supporters gathered at Ngonwa field, Rubengera sector. 

At approximately 4:15 p.m., Kagame arrived from Gisiza, Rutsiro District, where he had earlier held a campaign rally. The candidate was welcomed by an animated crowd evidently eager to hear his message. 

The candidate could not contain his excitement as he struggled to break into the thick crowd to greet his admiring supporters. Kagame was in his element as he and his family sang and danced along with his supporters. 

It was evident that, Karongi residents were celebrating their achievements under Kagame’s leadership and prepared to give him another term, as expressed in their songs and testimonies

Addressing the rally, Kagame declared that the massive turn out sends a clear message to the international community and is proof of the strong bond between him, as a leader and the people. 

The candidate said that nobody should second-guess the message the people of Karongi have sent out, and that nothing is going to move them.

He categorically stated that Rwandans know best what is good for them and that the residents of Karongi are particularly famous for making the right choices.

Kagame said Rwandans want democratic elections as it is one of the ways they can be proud of their nation.  He went on to castigate critics for being good at talking when they can’t do anything for the society.  

He emphasized that there is nothing more precious to him than having the massive support of Karongi residents and promised more development for Karongi district.

Kagame told the residents that he was in Karongi to celebrate with them the achievements realized in the past seven years.

At the colourful event, a woman who benefited greatly, from Kagame’s leadership in the past seven years, shared her life changing account. 

"I borrowed little money and started a bakery. After a few attempts, I managed to win a tender to supply bread to a prison and the rest of the story is about success. In 2005, my group set up a 42-rooms structure in Karongi town where we work from,” she said.

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